Heather McEwen
NASA Glenn Research Center
Aerospace Engineer

Who I am…

My name is Heather McEwen and I am an Aerospace Engineer in the Electric Propulsion Branch at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. I work on the development of ion thruster technology, which is used on spacecraft for orbital escape and interplanetary transfer.

Ion thrusters are engines that use accelerated ions to generate thrust (hence the name “ion thruster”). Ion thrusters are a little bit wimpy in the sense that they generate only millinewtons of thrust (the same force as dropping a paperclip into your hand). But ion thrusters continuously operate, so the spacecraft they propel accelerate constantly. Spacecraft using ion thrusters build up speed slowly but can reach extraordinarily high velocities. Of even more importance is the fact that ion thrusters are very fuel efficient and can operate on less fuel weight. Therefore, spacecraft using ion thrusters can carry larger amounts of payload, or they can carry enough fuel for longer duration flights.

During the day I am constantly between my desk and the lab, doing all sorts of different things (collecting performance data, analyzing the data, installing an engine in a facility, building a facility, analyzing plasma properties, etc). My job is always fun, new, and exciting!

Where I come from…

I was born in Naperville, Illinois, and then moved to Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, then to Minneapolis, Minnesota, then to Boston, Massachusetts. In June 2004, I moved to Cleveland, Ohio, after graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with an S.B. (Bachelor of Science) in Physics! So I am sort of from all over.

How I got to my current position…

Before I started working at NASA Glenn, I had no previous experience with electric propulsion. So how did I end up working in the Electric Propulsion Branch? I had always been interested in math and science. In college I majored in physics, and I worked on all sorts of projects during my summers between semesters (analysis of Jupiter’s atmosphere, buildup of a multi-watt laser system, interfacing a CCD camera with new software). Through all of these experiences I found that I enjoyed both theoretical and experimental physics. So in my senior year, I decided to tackle two minors: astronomy (to learn more about theory) and mechanical engineering (to learn more about practical application). This combination of studies in physics, astronomy, and mechanical engineering was what was needed to work here at Glenn in electric propulsion!

What else I like to do…

I do all sorts of things outside of work. I play soccer with people from work (the Glenn soccer club) and I coach girls’ youth soccer. I like to go fishing and camping (assuming I get to shower at least every 3 days!), I like to go to sporting events (football, hockey, and baseball mostly), and I like to hang out with my friends. I also enjoy running and biking.